A TOWN Hall boss has been praised for giving up his annual pay rise ... to help fund an increase for the council’s lowest paid workers.

Tendring Council chief executive Ian Davidson, who has been in charge of the authority for five years, has decided not to take his annual pay award, which is agreed at a national level.

He has instead decided to use the sum, which equates to £2,706, to help fund an increase for the council’s lowest paid staff, which includes cleaners, theatre staff and leisure attendants.

The living wage is calculated at £7.85, higher than the national minimum wage at £6.50.

Mr Davidson, who’s annual salary was more than £100,000 in 2013/14, said he made the gesture to thank council staff for their hard work.

Rhys Moore, director of the Living Wage Foundation, praised Mr Davidson.

He said: “We welcome this excellent leadership by Ian Davidson.

“The living wage reflects the real cost of living, rewarding a hard day’s work with a fair day’s pay.”